遗产数据库
Petroglyphs of Asht
PETROGLYPHS OF ASHT DISTRICT
A large concentration of petroglyphs in the locations of the Kurumi made it possible to single out one of the cult-memorial centers of the North Syrdarya Saks ("Saks, who were behind Sogd province").
Striking in their artistic perfection and spiritual fullness, petroglyphs of Asht are rightfully included in the treasury of ancient world art. The archaeological complex of the AshtValley consists of more than 200 ancient monuments: flint workshops, mines, settlements, cemeteries, burial mounds and petroglyphs dating back to the Stone Age, the Bronze Age, the Early Iron Age, the Middle Ages and the New Age. These monuments occupy an area of 20 square kilometers and all together form a unique archaeological complex, embodying the history of many ancient and modern peoples of Tajikistan for several millennia. At present, in the spurs of the Kuramin Mountains and in its vicinity were found more than 11,000 rock paintings. They are painted on smooth surfaces of rocks, covered with a black or brown patina.
Petroglyphs reflect more than 30 thematic images and plots. On the rocks were carved figures of people, their hunting and fighting weapons, clothing and household products. Along with them, images of various animals are vividly represented, some of which have long since disappeared and are no longer found on the territory of Central Asia. On the rocks are carved images of a mountain goat, an arch, a wild horse or kulan, a donkey, a camel, a deer, a wild boar, a saiga. Predators as wolf, the leopard, the fox, the jackal are well recognized. There are represented many interesting compositions with geometric figures. A special place is occupied with group or single hunting scenes. Some of the drawings show people wearing clothes typical for ritual ceremonies. All rock carvings are carved out or drawn with stone or metal tools.
